Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-29
The Tarlh-Mr. Randall.

Mr.. RANDALL in a conversation last
week with a reporter Of the Philadelphia
Lodgcr, published at his home, stated
distinctly that though he was in favor OF
abolishipC the internal taxes he was
unwilling to make their abolition con
dition precedent to the revision of the
tariff. We quote the Lcdgcr-as fol-
lows
"Mr Randall recognizes that there is
necessity for revision of the revenue
laws, and is prepared to enter upon this
work with view of producing such re-
suits rs may bring the annual revenues
of the Government within the actual
needs of an economical administration.
But he is not willing 10 ieopardize the
present prosperity of the country IN eX-
perimeutal legislation. Mr. RandaTs
well-known opinion as to the continu-
ance OF the internal revenue taxes has
undergone no change. He believes
these taxes are repugnant TO the theory
of our Government, and should be re
sorted to only III times of great national
emergency. He would therefore abolish
them, regardless of the effect on the
national revenue. At the same time he
would not make the abolition of these
taxes condition precedent to proper
revision of the tariff schedules, but
wants them included in any movement
made for the reduction or abolition Of
taxation.
In other words. Mr. RAND ALL is not
simply willing but desires that such q
revision Of the tariff shall Toe made as
will abolish so much of the surplus as a
repeal of all internal taxes would leave
untouched-that is to say, be is willing
that there shall be reduction OF many
millions of dollars in the receipts from
customs-duties
4 Washington letter in the Alexandria
gazette, an anti Protectonist organ, re-
ports Mr.. RANDALL as follows:
Mr. Randall was at the Capitol this
morning. He was IN excellent spirits
anu from that fact and the additional one
that he SAID the bottom had dropped out
Of the fIce-trade movement, IL is sup
posed that he is not only satisfied tina, he
will be reappointed chairman OF the APP
preparations Committee. hut that such ~
effort As may be made TO reduce the
tariff at the next session of Congress will
be only a halfway one. and one that can
lie successfully ObstTuctcdb by Mr.. Ran
dali if it shall be objectionable to him.
There is no danger that free trade viii
gain foothold in this country so long as
the Government shall be- compelled to
raise two or three hundred millions OF
dollars every year by leyying taxes upon
imports.
Mr.. ScorT, Of Pennsylvania, also a
member of the House OF Representa-
tives, was interviewed in Washington on
Sunday last by a member of the Posts
staff, who reports him as follows:
81 am not political prophet; ! am
not much of politician / lave no
knowledge of what Congress is likely to
do with the tariff this session the chance
that the two wings Of the party are likely
TO flap together IS something that | am
ia the dark about myself thet's Just
what l would particularly Ike t. find
out but, regarding the report that it is
intended to drop Mr.. Randall from his
position at the head Of tue Committee on
Appropriations, | have no hesition in
SAVING it is absurd at least it seems 50 to
me-
Mr.. SCoTT does not concur III Mr..
RANpALL's tariff views, but he knows
that Mr.. RANDALL is better fitted to be
chairman of the Committee on Appro-
priations than any other man i'll the
House of Representatives. Year after
year stories are originated telling the
public that the -Protectionists are
ready and willing to turn the great Penn
sylvanian out OF the Democratic party,
but these stories always prove to be I'M
founded.